How to Remove Unwanted Devices from Your Wi-Fi Network
If your internet feels slow or your connection is acting up, it might be because too many devices are connected to your router. Extra users can clog up your network, slow down your browsing, or even pose a security risk if unauthorized people have access.
Want to kick unwanted devices off your Wi-Fi? Here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Log into Your Router’s Settings
To take control of your network, you need to access your router’s settings:
- Open a web browser and type in your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
- Enter your admin username and password (often found on a sticker on the back of your router).
- Look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, or Network Map—this will show all the devices currently using your Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Remove Unwanted Devices
Option 1: Manually Disconnect a Device
Some routers allow you to disconnect specific devices directly from the settings page:
- Find the device in the Connected Devices List.
- Click on it and choose Block, Remove, or Disconnect.
- Some routers also have a Kick option that temporarily removes the device.
Option 2: Change Your Wi-Fi Password
If you suspect someone is using your internet without permission, changing your password is the simplest fix:
- Go to Wi-Fi Settings in your router’s menu.
- Update the password (choose WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for better security).
- Save the changes and reconnect only trusted devices using the new password.
Option 3: Block Devices Using MAC Address Filtering
Every device has a unique identifier called a MAC address. You can block specific devices from connecting by adding their MAC address to a blocked list:
- In your router settings, find the MAC Filtering or Access Control section.
- Locate the MAC address of the unwanted device (listed under Connected Devices).
- Add it to the Block or Deny list to prevent future connections.
Option 4: Limit the Number of Connected Devices
Some routers let you set a maximum number of devices that can connect at once. This ensures new devices can’t join once the limit is reached.
Step 3: Restart Your Router
If a device is still showing up after you’ve removed it, restarting your router can help. Simply turn it off for a few minutes and turn it back on—this forces all devices to reconnect and apply any changes you made.
Keeping Your Network Secure
To prevent unwanted connections in the future, follow these simple tips:
Use a strong password – Avoid easy-to-guess passwords like “123456” or “password.”
Set up a guest network – If you have visitors, create a separate network with a different password.
Check connected devices regularly – Keep an eye on your router’s device list to make sure only authorized users are connected.
With these steps, you’ll have full control over your Wi-Fi, ensuring faster speeds and better security.